Forward Engineer (Graduate)

“A graduate programme designed to develop the next generation of Forward Engineers”

The Graduate Frontier Engineer role is designed to support graduates as they transition from education into real‑world, client‑facing roles at the forefront of AI‑enabled business change. You will help Cloud Direct and its customers become Frontier Firms — organisations that use AI, cloud technology, and human‑centred design to radically improve how work gets done. This role sits at the intersection of technology, people, and process, and is ideal for graduates who are excited about how AI is reshaping the business world.

From day one, graduates are supported through a preceptorship model, meaning you will be paired with an experienced Engineer who acts as your coach. This ensures you develop confidence, capability, and independence at a sustainable pace. Through the Breakthrough2AI programme, graduates build a balanced foundation of technical skills, business understanding, and human skills, learning how to design, build, and explain AI‑powered solutions that solve real customer problems. Graduates progress through three structured phases blending formal learning, Microsoft certifications, preceptor‑led development, and direct project involvement.

On successful completion, individuals are assessed as “Frontier Engineer Ready” and transition into a fully fledged frontier engineering role within Cloud Direct

What You’ll Be Doing:

Phase 1: Months 1-6

• Formal onboarding and training, including basic certifications, supported by your assigned preceptor.
• Shadow and assist in Frontier Impact Studio (FIS) sessions looking at AI ideation.
• Contribute to simple PoC tasks (coding, cloud setup) with mentoring.

Phase 2: Months 7-12

• Own larger components of projects (e.g. development of a feature or model) with ongoing support from your preceptor.
• Continue supporting FIS outcomes by helping to build and deploy prototypes in real client contexts.
• Increase client exposure: present in meetings, handle parts of workshops, get feedback.
• Learn and apply business process mapping techniques to understand and improve how organisations work.
• Use AI‑backed development tools to support coding and solution design.
• Complete intermediate certification.

Phase 3: Months 13-18

• Act as tech lead for an internal project or a client PoC with supervision by your preceptor.
• End-to-end solution ownership: from design decisions to deployment and testing in a real-world setting.
• Regular client interaction managed largely independently (status updates, demos, refining requirements).
• Specialized training or elective projects to deepen expertise (e.g. MLOps, advanced data engineering, or architecture patterns).
• Final Microsoft certification completion.

What We’re Looking For:

• Achieved or on track for 2:1 or above in Computer Science or a similar technical discipline.
• A strong interest in artificial intelligence and how it is transforming the business world.
• Some experience in programming (Python, C#, JavaScript or similar), with specific interest in AI‑assisted coding and modern development practices.
• Interest in applied AI, cloud technologies, and building real‑world systems.
• Strong human and communication skills, including the confidence to explain ideas and present to others.
• Curiosity about business processes, systems, and how technology supports people at work.
• Ability to work collaboratively in fast‑moving environments.

What You’ll Gain:

• Microsoft certifications
• Full mentoring and coaching 
• Real-world client project experience
• Clear promotion and progression pathway
• The opportunity to specialise in cuttingedge areas of AI engineering
• Transition into a permanent Forward Deployed Engineer role on completion

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application via email to Careers@clouddirect.co.za.

Please ensure your application includes:

• An up-to-date CV
• A motivation letter outlining why you would like to pursue a role as a Forward Deployment Engineer and what you believe you would bring to the position
• Kindly use the subject line: Application – Forward Engineer.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At Cloud Direct, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to build a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We encourage candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses to apply.